Evaluación de impactos ambientales generados por proyectos antropogénicos en el área protegida Marco Pérez de Castilla cantón Oña, provincia del Azuay

Abstract

Abstract: This study focuses on assessing and analyzing the environmental impacts of the construction of a road in the Marco Pérez de Castilla protected area, in the Oña canton, Azuay province, in order to prevent and mitigate such impacts. This vulnerable area includes lagoons and natural water sources whose biodiversity has been affected by road opening and transportation activities. The methodology used combines a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology for a comprehensive assessment. In the qualitative aspect, interviews and surveys were conducted with local residents, environmental authorities, and biodiversity experts, as well as direct observations through field visits to document changes in the natural environment. In the quantitative aspect, environmental data were collected and analyzed before and after construction, including water quality parameters, biodiversity, and changes in vegetation, using statistical models to quantify and predict the impacts. To identify and evaluate environmental impacts, the factor tree was used, which allows the different environmental elements affected to be broken down and organized. Additionally, the Leopold matrix was used, a recognized methodology that relates cause and effect, considering all the project activities and the environmental factors vulnerable to being affected. This tool is effective in detecting and evaluating the possible effects of the project.